Here's a partial quote from a Washington Post article and PC World, which has some pointers that I believe also apply to projectors. Generally, from what I've seen, Michael's path towards a projector is the "cheaper" way already, I would see how some of these measures apply to the projector and go with the future proof notion presented here. ;)
====== Begin quote ========= Buy 1080p for tomorrow, not today: So-called "True HD" sets display 1080p images. That translates into sharper images and a higher level of detail--plus a higher price. The problem? You'll get 1080p in some high-definition DVD movies, but in few other video sources, says Mark Kersey, founder of BuyingHDTV.com. "A 1080p set will scale up a 1080i picture to make it look better, but that may not be reason enough to buy one," he says; 1080p "is good when you want to future-proof your purchase for the next ten years." Buy with your eyes... Comparing sets side-by-side as they show the same content--especially fast motion video images such as sports--is still the best way to pick a good one, says Kris Peterson, vice president of strategy and brand development for Magnolia, a high-end home-theater retailer owned by Best Buy. If the soccer ball looks like a blur on its way to the goal or the football field's yard lines seem to bend, the set's probably using a cheap video processor or lower-quality screen. ...But don't be fooled by retail displays: Some big-box stores crank up the brightness and contrast settings on models they want to move quickly, says Kersey. To avoid deception, ask your salesperson To step you through the different display modes on each set before you buy. Not all HDMI ports are equal: You'll need at least one High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port for attaching an HD tuner or movie player. Make sure the port is built to the HDMI 1.3 specification; otherwise, you might have to 'reboot' the TV when you switch inputs, says Christopher Baker, senior technical training director for online retailer Crutchfield. Look for HDMI ports that accept 1080p input natively, since that will be the standard for next-generation Blu-ray and HD DVD players. Even sets that display 1080p may not accept 1080p; instead, they may take 1080i and scale it up. The movie will still look great, just not as great, according to Baker. These specs may be hard to find, especially in retail stores, so troll for them online. Look at the big picture: A temptingly inexpensive set will feel like a bad investment if it breaks and its manufacturer has disappeared. "I would avoid 'mystery brand' products," says Joe Hart, a design specialist for HiFi House. "They may not survive what's increasingly become a dog-eat-dog market." In other words, don't be suckered in by mouth-watering deals that could leave you high and dry later on. Just like my wife told me. I hate it when she's right. ===== End of quote ====== Pablo Value persons above all, not things. Valora personas sobre todo, no cosas. Peace! *** Paz! ************************************************** * -----Original Message----- * From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of john harvey * Sent: Tuesday, October 03, 2006 12:14 AM * To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Subject: RE: [NF] LCD projectors * * I used a very portable one from HP for a year or so. It was * very compact and performed well. I have my own InFocus * projector that is quite a bit bigger, but does well also. I * think most of those on the market today are pretty good, but * I can tell you the HP worked great! * * John * * -----Original Message----- * From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Pablo H Rivera Sr * Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 10:06 PM * To: [email protected] * Subject: RE: [NF] LCD projectors * * Michael. * * I just sent you a PDF file that may interest you. * * Pablo * Value persons above all, not things. * Valora personas sobre todo, no cosas. * Peace! *** Paz! * ************************************************** * * * * -----Original Message----- * * From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MB * * Software Solutions * * Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 10:32 PM * * To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * * Subject: [NF] LCD projectors * * * * Searched the archives, but found nothing recent. * * * * I'm in the market for a good, affordable LCD projector. * * Suggestions on what to get or stay away from are * * appreciated! Must be 1024x768 minimum. * * * * I found this one earlier today: http://tinyurl.com/s7wcx * * * * My GM found an Epson that's about $200 more and has over * * 2000 lumens. * * Would I notice a difference between 1500 and 2000 or are we * * splitting hairs at that point? * * * * tia, * * --Michael _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.

